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20 Best Quirky Places To Stay On The Isle of Wight 2026
Looking for somewhere a bit different for your Isle of Wight holiday cottage or self-catering accommodation? Here is a selection of some of the more unusual, quirky, interesting and historic places you can stay on the Island.
We've found a selection of lighthouses, tree houses, railway stations, manor houses, royal residences, radar stations, golf clubhouses, houseboats and castles...
Before you book, don't forget about to read our guide to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel, or the beginners' guide to Isle of Wight ferry travel.
We've found a selection of lighthouses, tree houses, railway stations, manor houses, royal residences, radar stations, golf clubhouses, houseboats and castles...
Before you book, don't forget about to read our guide to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel, or the beginners' guide to Isle of Wight ferry travel.
1. St Catherine's Lighthouse or The Needles Coastguard Cottages
OK, so you can't actually stay in a lighthouse, but you can stay in St Catherine's lighthouse keepers' cottages.
The location is a cracker - as long as you don't mind feeling a little remote. You can walk down to a quiet and rocky beach called Watershoot Bay in a couple of minutes. Alternatively, drive 15 minutes to much busier resort of Ventnor.
There are three cottages, called Gurnard (sleeps 5) Landward (sleeps 4) and Penda (sleeps 5).
The location is a cracker - as long as you don't mind feeling a little remote. You can walk down to a quiet and rocky beach called Watershoot Bay in a couple of minutes. Alternatively, drive 15 minutes to much busier resort of Ventnor.
There are three cottages, called Gurnard (sleeps 5) Landward (sleeps 4) and Penda (sleeps 5).
The cottages overlook St Catherine's Lighthouse on the Island's south coast....
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...and they have modern interiors, which Mrs Guru would approve of
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A similar vibe is available at Varvassi, Irex and Pomone. These are three lighthouse keepers' cottages at The Needles that are now owned by the National Trust. They aren't quite as close to the lighthouse as the St Catherine's Lighthouse cottages but it's a more elevated location so the views are great.
There are hardly any houses on the Needles headland so you'll have easy access to the Isle of Wight's most famous landmark.
It's certainly a fairly breeze spot. More accurately, The Needles experienced the 'highest gust ever recorded in England' in 2022. I wouldn't worry too much unless you plan to visit during a winter storm. You can hire one, two or three cottages depending on how many relatives you are dragging along.
There are hardly any houses on the Needles headland so you'll have easy access to the Isle of Wight's most famous landmark.
It's certainly a fairly breeze spot. More accurately, The Needles experienced the 'highest gust ever recorded in England' in 2022. I wouldn't worry too much unless you plan to visit during a winter storm. You can hire one, two or three cottages depending on how many relatives you are dragging along.
The three former lighthouse keepers' cottages sleep 4-5 people each
2. Golden Hill Fort or Fort Redoubt
Golden Hill Fort is a six-sided beast that was built in the Victorian era, around the same time that forts were being built in the Solent. It was clearly a time of great paranoia.
You can now rent out apartments in the fort, including The Sergeants Quarters (sleeps 7), The Tap Room (sleeps 6) and The Officer's Mess (sleeps 10).
You can now rent out apartments in the fort, including The Sergeants Quarters (sleeps 7), The Tap Room (sleeps 6) and The Officer's Mess (sleeps 10).
I fort you'd like this one
A similar option in the West Wight is one of the holiday lettings alongside Fort Redoubt. The Fort sits high on the cliffs overlooking Freshwater Bay, which has excellent crashing waves below. It's a great spot for a walking holiday or for families who prefer quieter areas to touristy areas (e.g. Shanklin, Sandown).
Options include Upper Caponier, which is within the moat of Fort Redoubt (sleeps 6), Lower Caponier (sleeps 6) and Moonfleet Cottage (sleeps 2). They are all dog friendly.
Options include Upper Caponier, which is within the moat of Fort Redoubt (sleeps 6), Lower Caponier (sleeps 6) and Moonfleet Cottage (sleeps 2). They are all dog friendly.
There's no doubt that the views from Fort Redoubt are rather good
3. Board a houseboat or a Yacht
You can't get much closer to the sea than living in a houseboat: There are also several houseboats and yachts that you can hire for self-catering holidays:
- Poem 25 is in Bembridge Harbour in the East Wight and sleeps up to 8 people. Other houseboats for hire in Bembridge include Oystercatcher (sleeps 6) and Fortune (sleeps 8).
- Rena Haus (sleeps 4) is on Wootton Creek which is roughly in the East Wight, near to the Fishbourne ferry.
Does Poem 25 float your boat? Do you want to push the boat out? (Ed: That's enough boat puns, thanks...)
4. Hire a Manorhouse
The Isle of Wight seems to be awash with swanky manor houses for hire:
Marine Villa in Shanklin is a 1929 'gentleman's residence' that sleeps 18 people and has great sea views. It's got 7 bedrooms, a water feature that they don't sell in Wickes and a dining room suitable for Robin Hood to have a sword fight. It is also known as Charleston House.
This Art Deco manor house sleeps 20 people
If you've always fancied living in a manor house...but can't quite afford to rent the whole thing, how about an apartment at Shanklin Manor for four people?
Apartments at Shanklin Manor sleep four people
St Lawrence Manor in the South Wight ticks several boxes for me. It's got sea views, a swimming pool and a whopping great dining area. It is ideal for a group of 18 but you can stretch it to 25 with various sofa beds and other contraptions.
You can't hire out all of Arreton Manor but they offer B&B for couples in a property within the grounds called The Nook and a suite within the house called The Culpeper Suite.
This one has a history going back more than a thousand years. According to the website, Charles I hid in a cupboard on the first floor. I believe this was for his safety rather than because he was playing a game of sardines.
This one has a history going back more than a thousand years. According to the website, Charles I hid in a cupboard on the first floor. I believe this was for his safety rather than because he was playing a game of sardines.
Henry the eighth was a previous owner of Arreton Manor, although Rightmove doesn't say what he paid for it
Next up, an ideal choice for fans of Victorian poetry (bit of a niche interest, I admit). Northcourt House in Shorwell is older than the USA having been built in 1615 on the site of a 13th century monastic house. It once belonged to the uncle of Algernon Swinburne, who was an esteemed (and somewhat decadent) Victorian poet who grew up on the Island and stayed at Northcourt House regularly.
There are two properties at Northcourt that you can hire, one called The North Wing and another called The West Wing. They both sleep 16 people, so you could potentially gather together 32 people at these ones.
There are two properties at Northcourt that you can hire, one called The North Wing and another called The West Wing. They both sleep 16 people, so you could potentially gather together 32 people at these ones.
The two 'wings' at Northcourt can accommodate up to 32 people
If that's not enough Manor House waffle, see our full guide to hiring an Isle of Wight Manor House.
5. The Old Radar Station
This is another appealing property for those who don't mind being in an exceedingly isolated spot.
The Old Radar Station sits on the top of St. Boniface Down, which is the highest point on the Island (hardly Ben Nevis, but still pretty fantastic views). History nerds will already know that it was an important part of the war effort as one of a chain of radar stations.
It's now been converted and has the kind of interior they have in property magazines.
The Old Radar Station sits on the top of St. Boniface Down, which is the highest point on the Island (hardly Ben Nevis, but still pretty fantastic views). History nerds will already know that it was an important part of the war effort as one of a chain of radar stations.
It's now been converted and has the kind of interior they have in property magazines.
The Old Radar Station sleeps eight people in four bedrooms
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The sea views are pretty good as well
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The Old Signal House in nearby Niton offers a similar sort of thing. It's a former telephone exchange with one of those turf rooftops that they always have on Grand Designs.
The Old Signal House is a former telephone exchange in the South Wight
6. A Treehouse, Woodside Bay or Whippingham
There are two treehouses at Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat, which sleep two people and have their own hot tubs. They're about 60 seconds walk to the beach at Woodside Bay and are part of a larger lodge resort with a gym and restaurant. The beach is one of the Isle of Wight's scrubbier beaches with a mix of shingle and sand but it's nice and quiet and has good sunsets. The resort gets reviews of 4.5/5 from customers on Google reviews.
This treehouse with hot tub is metres from the beach
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It's part of a larger resort but the treehouse is secluded
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Into The Woods Treehouse is more amongst trees than actually in a tree, but it still looks like an appealing option, and it claims to be ideal for Christmas (I suggest you bring your long johns and a hot water bottle). Whippingham is towards the north of the Island, quite near to East Cowes. It sleeps 4-6 people.
There's a similarly quirky six person property on the same site called The Shepherd's Hideaway and a romantic two person treehouse called The Nest.
There's a similarly quirky six person property on the same site called The Shepherd's Hideaway and a romantic two person treehouse called The Nest.
Whippingham has a 4-6 person treehouse as well as a couples' property called The Nest
7. Windmill Campersite
Windmill Campersite sells itself as the ‘quirkiest glamping site on the Isle of Wight’.
I’d say it’s got a pretty good case.
Accommodation options include a helicopter called Galahad, a submarine that was used in a James Bond film (The World Is Not Enough, in case you're interested) and a circular pod designed to look like a UFO.
The onsite facilities are equally bizarre. The shared showers have disco lights, an old silo has been turned into a mini-cinema and a Robin Reliant has been converted into a launderette.
The location is in the middle of the Isle of Wight, not far from Carisbrooke Castle.
I’d say it’s got a pretty good case.
Accommodation options include a helicopter called Galahad, a submarine that was used in a James Bond film (The World Is Not Enough, in case you're interested) and a circular pod designed to look like a UFO.
The onsite facilities are equally bizarre. The shared showers have disco lights, an old silo has been turned into a mini-cinema and a Robin Reliant has been converted into a launderette.
The location is in the middle of the Isle of Wight, not far from Carisbrooke Castle.
"I've booked a helicopter for our honeymoon, love"
8. A hut with a hot tub or a Lakeside Log Cabin
What more could you want for a romantic week away than a hut and a hot tub, eh? Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Olive at Buttercup Barn Retreats and Bay both sit in a rural part of Wootton Bridge (East Wight-ish, near the Fishbourne ferry). They are circular buildings that sleep two and also allow dogs.
Olive is a hut with a hot tub in Wootton
Quiet lakeside lodges for couples are also available at Alverstone Ponds. It's a sleepy area that is a couple of miles inland from Sandown and Shanklin. They are called Hobbit's Landing and Willows End and both come with log burners.
These one bedroom log cabins in Alverstone are designed for couples
9. Hire a Yurt/Glamping/Posh Caravans/VW Campervans
I must admit, I'm a little sceptical of 'glamourous camping' which often seems to cost as much as staying somewhere with walls made of bricks. Anyway, I shouldn't knock it until I've tried it - they do look pretty quirky.
If you fancy Glamping at a holiday park with lots of family friendly facilities (swimming pools, restaurants, entertainment) then Parkdean Resorts has safari tents at three of its Isle of Wight holiday parks including Nodes Point in St Helens, Lower Hyde in Shanklin or Thorness Bay, which is sort of near Cowes.
If you fancy Glamping at a holiday park with lots of family friendly facilities (swimming pools, restaurants, entertainment) then Parkdean Resorts has safari tents at three of its Isle of Wight holiday parks including Nodes Point in St Helens, Lower Hyde in Shanklin or Thorness Bay, which is sort of near Cowes.
Safari tents are available at Nodes Point, Lower Hyde and Thorness Bay holiday resorts
Quieter glamping options include:
There are other glamping options in our Isle of Wight Glamping guide.
- Yurts at The Garlic Farm in Newchurch
- Kids Love Yurts is aimed at families and is in Newport
- Tom's Eco Lodges are on the Tapnell Farm site in Freshwater
There are other glamping options in our Isle of Wight Glamping guide.
Tom's Eco Lodges are in the quiet West Wight
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There are several yurts at the Isle of Wight's Garlic Farm
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For a bit of USA-style nostalgia, you might consider the 1950s Airstreams at Retro Staycations on the outskirts of Ryde. They sleep between three and six people.
10. Shepherd's Huts
I reckon there are probably more shepherd's huts on the Isle of Wight than there are shepherds. The huts usually cram in a double bed, a small kitchen and a shower. Some of them have a log burner to overcome the fact that you are living in a hut.
Your options include:
Your options include:
- Under The Stars in Newchurch (there are two huts at this site, overlooking farmland)
- Willow Shepherd's Hut, halfway between Newport and Sandown (includes a log burner)
- Woodland Hideaway just outside of Newport (on a working farm, with animals roaming around)
- Rosemary, near Wootton Bridge (on the same site as the Buttercup Barn Retreat accommodation mentioned earlier).
- Merlot near Seaview (another one that has a log burner)
Willow Shepherd's Hut is one of several on the Isle of Wight
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Under The Stars can be found in Newchurch, which is near Sandown
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11. A Geodesic Dome
I must admit, I had to look up what a geodesic dome is.
Apparently, it's 'a curve representing in some sense the shortest path between two points in a surface'.
To be honest, I still didn't know what it means but I can tell you that there are five of them at Tapnell Farm in the West Wight. They sleep six people and have lovely views towards the West Wight. They've got log burners and a simple kitchen. The toilet and shower facilities are shared. Some of them have 'outdoor wood burning tubs', which are a bit like hot tubs.
They're on the same site as Tapnell Farm Park and the Isle of Wight Aqua Park - both of which are great fun. You don't get free admission to the attractions, but you do get a discount if you're staying onsite.
Apparently, it's 'a curve representing in some sense the shortest path between two points in a surface'.
To be honest, I still didn't know what it means but I can tell you that there are five of them at Tapnell Farm in the West Wight. They sleep six people and have lovely views towards the West Wight. They've got log burners and a simple kitchen. The toilet and shower facilities are shared. Some of them have 'outdoor wood burning tubs', which are a bit like hot tubs.
They're on the same site as Tapnell Farm Park and the Isle of Wight Aqua Park - both of which are great fun. You don't get free admission to the attractions, but you do get a discount if you're staying onsite.
These domes at Tapnell Farm come with log burners and lovely views
A more rustic campsite called Camp Wight also has Geodesic Domes.
12. The Old Club House, St Helen's
One for the golf fan in your life - this National Trust property was the clubhouse for the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Links. It's also walking distance from the popular St Helen's beach and not far from Priory Bay. The golf course is now an attractive area of sand and shingle known as the Duver. It sleeps five people.
The Old Club House, St. Helen's
13. Writer's Retreats
Numerous noted writers have spent time on the Isle of Wight. The poet Alfred Lord Tennyson lived at Farringford, which now offers self-catering accommodation including five former stables.
Poet Alfred Noyes lived at Lisle Combe in the 1920s. The house is still in the same family and is a B&B.
Charles Dickens wrote some of David Copperfield whilst spending a summer in Bonchurch, which is a pretty coastal village near Ventnor in the south of the Isle of Wight. The home where he stayed is now a private house (Winterbourne House) but nearby Havilland Cottage offers a 'Dickens literary holiday' with local walks themed around characters in Dickens' books. Haviland Cottage won Silver at a South East tourism awards called The Beautiful South Awards in 2022.
Poet Alfred Noyes lived at Lisle Combe in the 1920s. The house is still in the same family and is a B&B.
Charles Dickens wrote some of David Copperfield whilst spending a summer in Bonchurch, which is a pretty coastal village near Ventnor in the south of the Isle of Wight. The home where he stayed is now a private house (Winterbourne House) but nearby Havilland Cottage offers a 'Dickens literary holiday' with local walks themed around characters in Dickens' books. Haviland Cottage won Silver at a South East tourism awards called The Beautiful South Awards in 2022.
Poet Alfred Noyes lived at Lisle Combe...
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...whilst nearby Havilland Cottages makes the most of local connections to Charles Dickens
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14. Island Riding Centre
If you like the idea of being surrounded by horses on holiday, then the Island Riding Centre is worth a look. They have eleven self-catering cottages that you can combine with riding lessons or gallops along the beach.
You can compare all 12 cottages here or choose from:
Keep in mind that your nine-year old daughter will ask for her own horse at the end of the week, so it could be a costly holiday.
You can compare all 12 cottages here or choose from:
- Bay Cottages (sleeps 4)
- Wild Horse Retreat (sleeps 5)
- The Tack Room (sleeps 6)
- Hold Your Horses (sleeps 8)
- Horse Chestnut Cottage (sleeps 10)
Keep in mind that your nine-year old daughter will ask for her own horse at the end of the week, so it could be a costly holiday.
Modern accommodation...and horses at the Island Riding Centre
15. Calbourne Watermill Cottages
Calbourne Mill is a tourist attraction towards the West Wight that also properties at the site, including one called Badger's Oak (sleeps six).
Take a break from the grindstone and have a holiday at the watermill
16. Churchill's Romantic Spot
East Rosetta Cottage and Rosetta Cottage are National Trust owned. It was here that Winston Churchill's parents first met and seemingly became instantly engaged. Lord Randolph Churchill and Jenny Jerome (daughter of the New York Times proprietor) met during Cowes Week in 1873, married in April 1874 and then Winston was born in late November 1874. As my mother in-law pointed out whilst reading the plaque outside the property: "they certainly didn't waste any time..."
The properties are in a prime location on the seafront at Cowes. Rosetta Cottage sleeps six whilst East Rosetta Cottage sleeps 10.
The properties are in a prime location on the seafront at Cowes. Rosetta Cottage sleeps six whilst East Rosetta Cottage sleeps 10.
Churchill's parents met at this sunny spot on Cowes seafront
17. Enchanted Manor, Niton
I often describe the South Wight as feeling a little 'other-worldly' compared to the rest of the Island.
Enchanted Manor in Niton takes things a little further by describing itself as being a 'portal from the physical world to the enchanted realm'.
Within this enchanted realm you can 'reconnect to your divine authentic self, each other and Mother Earth' on a 'Me-Staycation'
There are eight bedrooms, a yoga room, a healing room and a fire hut where you can sign up for 'release and healing ceremonies'.
And yes, they've got Wifi.
Enchanted Manor in Niton takes things a little further by describing itself as being a 'portal from the physical world to the enchanted realm'.
Within this enchanted realm you can 'reconnect to your divine authentic self, each other and Mother Earth' on a 'Me-Staycation'
There are eight bedrooms, a yoga room, a healing room and a fire hut where you can sign up for 'release and healing ceremonies'.
And yes, they've got Wifi.
Enchanted Manor is a good choice for a Me-Staycation
18. An Isle of Wight Festival site
The modern-day Isle of Wight Festival is held at Seaclose Park in Newport with the artists usually staying at Premier Inn. You never know, you might up in Mick Jagger's former bed.
However, the original Isle of Wight Festivals in 1968, 1969 and 1970 moved about a bit:
However, the original Isle of Wight Festivals in 1968, 1969 and 1970 moved about a bit:
- You used to be able to stay at Ford Farm, where the original 1968 festival took place, but it's not currently open as a B&B.
- The 1969 Festival was held on land overlooking Woodside Bay at Wootton Bridge. The festival itself was about 150 metres from the shoreline. You might consider Woodside Coastal Retreat and Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat, which are very nearby.
- The 1970 Isle of Wight Festival was held at East Afton Farm, Freshwater. You can rent a property at East Afton Farmhouse or one of Tom's Eco Lodges. Tollgate Cottages B&B is opposite the 1970 site and has festival memorabilia.
19. Carisbrooke Castle
Some of our American cousins believe that all English people live in a castle...and now you can. Carisbrooke Castle has a 'Bowling Green Apartment' for hire. The Castle once housed King Charles I, although he wasn't there voluntarily.
The accommodation is for two adults and two children. It's probably not one for those who believe in ghosts.
The accommodation is for two adults and two children. It's probably not one for those who believe in ghosts.
The home of Charles I, and holidaymakers
20. Osborne House
If following in the footsteps of an imprisoned King isn't your thing (see Carisbrooke Castle at #18) then how about following an emotionally imprisoned Queen? OK, so you can't actually stay in Queen Victoria's bedroom, but you can stay in a cottage within the grounds.
There are a couple of properties to choose from for the Osborne experience. Pavilion Cottage is managed by English Heritage and sleeps four people (plus one cot). You'll also get access to the Queen's beach, so when the house is shut you'll probably have it entirely to yourself.
There are a couple of properties to choose from for the Osborne experience. Pavilion Cottage is managed by English Heritage and sleeps four people (plus one cot). You'll also get access to the Queen's beach, so when the house is shut you'll probably have it entirely to yourself.
You could stay here...sort of
21. Knowles Farm Cottage
Geeky engineers and historians will love Knowles Farm Cottage for its role in the history of communications. The National Trust owned site is the former home of Guglielmo Marconi who carried out early communications experiments from the farm. It sleeps four people and features in our guide to National Trust holiday homes.
The view from the garden at Knowles Farm Cottage ain't bad
22. Steephill Cove
Steephill Cove is a small, Cornish-style beach on the South Wight that has a handful of properties available for rent. It's quite tricky to access (you can only get there on foot), but it is a great place for an ice cream and a quiet swim.
There are a few rentals on the beach but personally I like the look of Sandpipers (sleeps 6).
There are a few rentals on the beach but personally I like the look of Sandpipers (sleeps 6).
Steephill Cove has a few rentals, including Sandpipers
23. A religious retreat
A few churches have been converted into holiday accommodation on the Isle of Wight.
Chapel House in Chale (near Ventnor) is near to St Boniface Down which is the Island's highest point. It sleeps 6 and has a modern interior in contrast to the original features of the exterior.
The Old Abbey Farmhouse is a Grade II listed property within the grounds of Quarr Abbey. It's right next to the ruins of the original Abbey, which was founded about 900 years ago.
Bishops Retreat in Ventnor is a church from the 1860s that now has a trendy interior and a four poster bed.
Chapel House in Chale (near Ventnor) is near to St Boniface Down which is the Island's highest point. It sleeps 6 and has a modern interior in contrast to the original features of the exterior.
The Old Abbey Farmhouse is a Grade II listed property within the grounds of Quarr Abbey. It's right next to the ruins of the original Abbey, which was founded about 900 years ago.
Bishops Retreat in Ventnor is a church from the 1860s that now has a trendy interior and a four poster bed.
Chapel House provides a welcome sanctuary
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Treat yourself to the Bishops' Retreat in Ventnor
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24. Chert, St Lawrence
This one's just weird. Chert is a very 1970s property which is rented out by the National Trust. It sleeps four people and proudly offers a 'monochrome interior...and bright orange bathroom'.
I'm now wondering if my mother should have kept her avocado green bathroom so it could have become a National Trust property in a few years' time.
I'm now wondering if my mother should have kept her avocado green bathroom so it could have become a National Trust property in a few years' time.
Chert in St Lawrence is a curious National Trust holiday home
25. Edward Elgar's Honeymoon spot
The composer Edward Elgar spent his honeymoon in Bermuda House in Ventnor in 1889. It is now a five-bedroom self-catering property that sleeps up to 10 people.
Sir Edward supposedly wrote to a friend that "We are liking this place very much and have nice rooms overlooking the sea". Nowadays of course he would write his review on Trip Advisor but that wasn't an option at the time.
Sir Edward supposedly wrote to a friend that "We are liking this place very much and have nice rooms overlooking the sea". Nowadays of course he would write his review on Trip Advisor but that wasn't an option at the time.
Stay in Elgar's honeymoon spot
26. Whitwell Railway Station
Most of the Isle of Wight's rail network was closed in the 1960s and has been turned into cycle paths. One of the former railway stations - Whitwell - is now available for rental. It's in the quieter South Wight.
There are three cottages that each sleep four people.
There are three cottages that each sleep four people.
You may choo-choo-choose to stay at Whitwell Railway Station
27. Tiny Homes Holidays
Tiny Homes is a collection of six compact eco-friendly holiday homes in a rural spot just outside of Cowes.
They vary in size with options including Silva which sleeps two people and Kindred or Eilidh which both sleep four.
Despite their compact size they come with self-catering facilities.
They vary in size with options including Silva which sleeps two people and Kindred or Eilidh which both sleep four.
Despite their compact size they come with self-catering facilities.
"What shape is a house, Timmy?".... "That's right, it's a triangle"
RELATED GUIDES FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT GURU:
Isle of Wight National Trust CottagesHistoric holiday homes on the Isle of Wight that are owned by the National Trust
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Isle of Wight Hot Tub HolidaysAccommodation on the Isle of Wight with private hot tubs included
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Quirky Days OutWeird and wonderful things to do, for those who prefer to avoid the more famous attractions
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